Distinctive Art Source Brings Healthcare Art Expert to Centreville

Centreville, VA – September 28, 2010

Many new hospitals use artwork to help create soothing environments that are more reminiscent of a hospitality setting than healthcare facility. Familiar nature scenes, joyful sculpture gardens and art galleries featuring the works of local artists delight patients and visitors. This is not a coincidence or a trend; it is a deliberate effort to provide the best possible healing environment for patients.

There is an art and a science to creating healthcare appropriate, patient-based art programs. Only a handful of experts across the country specialize in this field. One of them has recently relocated to Centreville, VA. Barbara Harriman, IIDA, and her team at Distinctive Art Source work with healthcare facilities across the country to develop customized patient appropriate art programs.

Research shows that patient-based art programs can help reduce stress in the healthcare environment. “Artwork appropriately selected for specific patient environments can help recall fond memories, instill hope or offer comfort to patients their families and staff members,” explains Harriman, president and creative director, Distinctive Art Source. These positive distractions can help reduce stress which, according to research, can also help reduced the need for pain medication.

“Art programs also can become sources of community pride and outreach,” adds Harriman. Distinctive Art Source works with local artists to create programs that reflect diversity, hope and the physical beauty of a healthcare facility’s surrounding area and supporting communities.

Distinctive Art Source relocated from Spring, TX, where the firm has been in operation since 2003. Harriman says the move enables her team to more easily serve clients due to the central location and convenient access to three major airports. For more information about Distinctive Art Source, visit www.distinctiveartsource.com or call (703) 956-1946.

About Distinctive Art Source:

Distinctive Art Source is a turnkey art consulting firm, working exclusively in healthcare. DAS guides clients through the process of creating customized patient-based art programs centered on patients, evidence-based design and client input. The company goals are twofold: to introduce unexpected art options and to involve local artists whenever possible. The firm’s architectural background allows their team to blend seamlessly into the existing design process, providing facilities with necessary timelines and budgets to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Established in 2003, Distinctive Art Source has served a pivotal role in creating patient-based art programs in millions of square feet of hospital space. DAS connects clients with hundreds of artists throughout the country to enable hospitals to conceptualize, visualize and realize the goals of their art programs.

Contact:

Theresa Ceniccola

Marketing Director, Distinctive Art Source

703.870.3719

tceniccola@distinctiveartsource.com

www.distinctiveartsource.com

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